Review: Tylt’s RUGGD Is A Stylish And Lightweight Way To Protect The iPad Air
by Brent Dirks
January 13, 2014
Company: Tylt
Product: RUGGD
Price: $49.99
Compatibility: iPad Air
Website: www.tylt.com
Date: Jan. 13, 2014
The Basics
Tylt has quickly established itself as one of my favorite accessory manufacturers. Along with the slate of unique and innovative ALIN screen protectors, the company also offers a wide variety of cases for iOS devices. And they recently introduced its first protection option for the iPad Air – the RUGGD. If you’re looking for an OtterBox or Lifeproof type of case, the RUGGD simply isn’t it. But even though the case weighs in at a little more than 7 ounces, it’s designed to add a nice amount of protection to the slim and light tablet. The RUGGD is made with two different layers of material – a harder outer shell and a softer interior. Made with “premium vulcanized” rubber that the company says is usually reserved for spacecraft or jets, the exterior feels very nice to hold in your hand. But it is easily dense enough to protect from an occasional drop or shock. Micro energy absorbing cushions in the inner layer are designed to help protect the tablet as well. Some might be bothered by Tylt’s omission of any type of screen protection, usually found with other rugged cases, but it didn’t bother me at all. And, as a nice touch, special priority is also given to the corners of the RUGGD. With extra material added to each corner, a protective lip shields the iPad Air’s screen. All ports and buttons are easily accessible while using the case. The power and volume buttons are covered with the same type of rubber used on the corners of the case. There are cutouts for the mute switch, headphone jack, camera, microphone, and speakers. Easily my favorite feature of the RUGGD is the built-in, collapsible kickstand that offers a number of nice media viewing angles. It can even be manipulated to place the tablet in a very comfortable typing angle. The kickstand snaps into the back of the case when not in use and pops out without any effort. Buyers can select from one of two different color combinations of the case. I took a look at the black and gray version, but if you want to stand out a little more, the green/black edition looks very striking.What’s Hot
- Rugged design should easily help protect your tablet from accidental drops and falls.
- The built-in stand is well designed and is easy to deploy.
- Two layers of protection, including extra focus on the corners.
- Easy to hold.
- Lightweight at just a little more than 7 ounces.
What’s Not
- No screen protection.
